Ramblings of the positivity and negativity of BookTok, a bunch of interesting new releases, and an author of the week who is the Queen of Magical Realism
I agree. The books that I read simply because I walked into a library and just picked up some books are some of the best books that I have read. I feel like I get into reading slumps more often now due to reading BookTok books that just don't live up to the hype. I've been going back to reading books I loved years ago just to get out of a slump. Bookselling has always been commercialized, but I think that BookTok, mostly, reduces books to buzzwords instead of focusing on exhilarating literature. I have had some luck with BookTok books, but pushing books for a check is not where it's at.
Love this, and I absolutely agree with a lot of commenters already that BookTok, while great for bringing some life back into reading, often at times feels like an echo chamber of competition and "tropes" instead of plot or character drive. Obviously not just exclusive to BookTok, but definitely more prevalent today. While reading what's popular or driven by algorithm is still reading (which is great!) I think it means people aren't as exploring and reading as diversely as they could be doing. Pick up a book because you want to - not because everyone else is doing it (I say this as someone who has just binge-read Fourth Wing a year later and enjoyed it so much more because it was on my own terms!)
Booktok is such a ubiquitous but interesting topic. I feel like a lot of people end up reading the same books and don't branch out as much. However, as someone who works as a bookseller, I can also see how TikTok is keeping bookstores and reading in and of itself alive.
I have a very small (and lowkey) bookstagram, and so I don't see that much of the drama or toxicity that may appear behind larger accounts. It seems shocking, but then again, social media can make anything blasé and commercial.
Insightful as ever - what a great discussion on Booktok! Personally I totally agree - I think it can be a great way to introduce reading to new audiences and for example, when I got into reading again, I was constantly looking to book videos for inspo. Having said that, I do think it can be a toxic place. I feel like lately there is much less individuality in terms of favourite books and which authors are chosen to be ‘hyped.’ It really feels like tropes are such a main focus these days, that it almost feels like you’re reading the same books but in different fonts (pardon the pun). As you say, everything has an upside and downside though so as long as we remain genuine and keep having these discussions, it can definitely be useful.
This was such a nice read. I don't rely on Booktok for book recommendations. I only go on there after I've read the book and see other people's thoughts about them.
Thank you so much! That is definitely a good take. I’ve been reading House of Flame and Shadow, and honestly all of the talk about it is literally making me anxious which is ridiculous! I just want to read the book!!
aghhh this makes me so sad. Feels like everything is a game these days of who can appeal best to social media and hype. It compromises so much quality and art, it's happening in the fashion world too and i am devastated to find out it is slowly seeping into the literary world :''''''''(
I agree. The books that I read simply because I walked into a library and just picked up some books are some of the best books that I have read. I feel like I get into reading slumps more often now due to reading BookTok books that just don't live up to the hype. I've been going back to reading books I loved years ago just to get out of a slump. Bookselling has always been commercialized, but I think that BookTok, mostly, reduces books to buzzwords instead of focusing on exhilarating literature. I have had some luck with BookTok books, but pushing books for a check is not where it's at.
I do the exact same thing. Buzzwords is a great way to describe it!
Love this, and I absolutely agree with a lot of commenters already that BookTok, while great for bringing some life back into reading, often at times feels like an echo chamber of competition and "tropes" instead of plot or character drive. Obviously not just exclusive to BookTok, but definitely more prevalent today. While reading what's popular or driven by algorithm is still reading (which is great!) I think it means people aren't as exploring and reading as diversely as they could be doing. Pick up a book because you want to - not because everyone else is doing it (I say this as someone who has just binge-read Fourth Wing a year later and enjoyed it so much more because it was on my own terms!)
1000%! I agree with everything you said
Booktok is such a ubiquitous but interesting topic. I feel like a lot of people end up reading the same books and don't branch out as much. However, as someone who works as a bookseller, I can also see how TikTok is keeping bookstores and reading in and of itself alive.
I have a very small (and lowkey) bookstagram, and so I don't see that much of the drama or toxicity that may appear behind larger accounts. It seems shocking, but then again, social media can make anything blasé and commercial.
Hi Nora! Completely agree. It’s such a duality. I have a small bookstagram as well and I’ve never had a single bad/toxic interaction!
Insightful as ever - what a great discussion on Booktok! Personally I totally agree - I think it can be a great way to introduce reading to new audiences and for example, when I got into reading again, I was constantly looking to book videos for inspo. Having said that, I do think it can be a toxic place. I feel like lately there is much less individuality in terms of favourite books and which authors are chosen to be ‘hyped.’ It really feels like tropes are such a main focus these days, that it almost feels like you’re reading the same books but in different fonts (pardon the pun). As you say, everything has an upside and downside though so as long as we remain genuine and keep having these discussions, it can definitely be useful.
Agree on all of this!
Booktok, anything, that exposes folks to the written word is good!
Now, having said that I must admit until now I never heard of, or much less read Booktok.
& yes, the quality of much written today is not great, but such leads to special delight when wandering in to an exceptional read.
I do completely agree that BookTok exposes new people to books which is amazing! But of course everything has its good and bad sides.
I've recently started writing a novel and I'm already dreading having to market it in the future, especially on social media.
I’ve heard that a lot … sending love and hope that it comes easily!
This was such a nice read. I don't rely on Booktok for book recommendations. I only go on there after I've read the book and see other people's thoughts about them.
Thank you so much! That is definitely a good take. I’ve been reading House of Flame and Shadow, and honestly all of the talk about it is literally making me anxious which is ridiculous! I just want to read the book!!
aghhh this makes me so sad. Feels like everything is a game these days of who can appeal best to social media and hype. It compromises so much quality and art, it's happening in the fashion world too and i am devastated to find out it is slowly seeping into the literary world :''''''''(
Yes exactly!